Mix of art displayed at GCC

View full sizePhotos providedThis piece by artist Odile Monzo, of Turnersville, is called "Life â First Book." The artist's works, part of the Fall Art Exhibit at Gloucester County College in Deptford, is on display inside the Dr. Ross Beitzel Art Gallery through Oct. 19.

Gloucester County College recently launched its Fall Art Exhibit in the Dr. Ross Beitzel Art Gallery on the campus. On display through Oct. 19 are works from five local artists, including works from Julia Day of Mount Holly, Kelly Lynd of Pitman, Odile Monzo of Turnersville, Dolores Poacelli of Collingswood and Helge Speth of Wenonah.

Various collections of mixed media adorn the walls and glass display cases of the Euguene J. McCaffrey Sr. College Center giving visitors a glimpse of each artist’s work from all corners of the room.

Each artist has several pieces on display with ample room for art enthusiasts and viewers to experience their work.

“I have a lot of work,” said artist Poacelli. “My studio is full and my house is almost full. So any time I can get work out that’s a good thing.”

Poacelli, who studied at the University of Arts in Philadelphia, was a graphic designer for many years, but always found time for fine art.

She described her work as, “mixed metaphores and basically abstract, but there’s always something slightly identifiable to pull you in.”

Poacelli teaches many art workshops throughout South Jersey, and is currently involved in teaching weekly classes.

She has five shows planned in the coming months. She hopes to spread her work locally and even in South Carolina.

“I think the college is a good venue because it’s a teaching site,” said Poacelli.

When approached by visitors at the GCC gallery, Poacelli recalled one very hopeful art student. Her advice to students is simply to do it.

“Whether you sell, whether nobody likes it because that’s the weeding-out process,” said Poacelli. “People who get derailed because somebody doesn’t like it, they go by the wayside. The ones that persist continue, hopefully, successfully.”

Among the variety of materials Speth has worked with, metal is a favorite.

“I’m really intrigued by metal,” said Speth. “I like the feel of it when it rusts.”

View full size"No Pain, No Gain" (Card in Hand) is another piece by artist Odile Monzo of Turnersville.

Speth once took a blacksmithing class to learn how to work with the material, and has brought some of her pieces to show at the exhibit.

Once Speth moved from Europe to America, she traded her medical career for one in the arts. Speth has now been teaching art for 25 years.

What happens during the firing process of these pieces on display is something Speth can describe as accidental and magical.

“I go into my work with no concept in mind and see what happens,” said Speth.

A running theme in her work appears to be greatly inspired by nature. In a few of her pieces, Speth has aimed to replicate how the elements in nature alter objects.

“I like what the elements do to objects,” said Speth.

Natural shapes and textures can also be found in Speth’s works. Impressions of tree bark and leaves give her pieces texture and character.

“As our planet is being threatened, I treasure the beauty out there,” said Speth. “I get a good feeling when I can capture it in my work.”

If you go: The Gloucester County College Fall Art Exhibit will be on display in the Dr. Ross Beitzel Art Gallery located within the Euguene J. McCaffrey Sr. College Center on GCC’s campus in Deptford through Oct. 19. Viewing hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 856-415-2122.